If you’ve followed some of our coverage on focus group reactions and feedback from independent voters after Tuesday’s presidential debate, you’ll know that many were dissatisfied with Kamala Harris’ responses. Voters felt she failed to lay out a clear vision for the future and didn’t differentiate herself from Joe Biden. That’s a major issue when many Americans believe the Biden-Harris administration has been a disaster on multiple fronts, particularly with the economy and border security.
It seems Harris may not have been the only one falling short. According to a report by ABC Senior White House Correspondent Selina Wang, some inside the White House were also unhappy with Harris’ debate performance.
“Some White House officials were disappointed that Harris did not stand up for Biden during the debate,” a former Biden White House official told Wang. “Many felt Harris missed opportunities to acknowledge that Biden deserves thanks for his service.”
When Harris talks about “a new way forward,” it’s a clear signal that there are issues with the current state of affairs — but she’s part of the Biden administration, and can’t easily distance herself from the problems it’s facing.
Who exactly are these “White House officials”? Could it be Joe or Jill Biden? It certainly sounds like something Joe would be upset about, especially given how he seems to believe he deserves praise for what many see as a failing presidency. It’s sad, really—Biden’s team pushes him aside, and yet he’s still looking for some form of acknowledgment.
The responses to Wang’s report were amusing, with prominent Democrats like Nate Silver telling Biden’s people to stop complaining. This triggered backlash from fellow Democrats, while some admitted the obvious: independents and undecided voters don’t have a favorable view of Biden.
It’s noteworthy that even someone like Matthew Yglesias acknowledged this reality. Unfortunately for Harris, she can’t easily detach herself from the failed Biden-Harris record.
In a curious twist, perhaps this is why Biden was seen sporting a Trump 2024 hat and standing with kids wearing Trump shirts.
The White House, of course, denied the report.
White House response: “This is not the view of @POTUS or his team. The @VP spoke passionately about his leadership and the historic progress they have achieved together. As he said, in the debate he saw the person who has been his partner for 3.5 years. He and his team are proud of her performance.”
This denial feels completely in line with Biden’s usual approach to criticism, but sure, let them keep squabbling—it might just be entertaining to watch.
